Project material storage and transportation device and system

ABSTRACT

The present device and system provide rigid, stackable storage and transportation platforms. Vertical posts interconnecting side and end beams incorporate upper and lower connection pin plates. In use, these pin plates allow connection of the platform to transport means or stacked connection to other platforms using ISO lock pins. Cross beams extending between the side beams provide additional strength.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of prior-filed, co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/490,260, filed on Apr. 26, 2017, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure is directed to a project material storage and transportation device and system, and more specifically to a rigid, stackable storage and transportation pallet and a system utilizing one or more of such pallets.

BACKGROUND

Transporting materials used in constructing and assembling piping, pipeline legs, and other projects presents difficulties for projects located in rough or otherwise hard-to-access terrain. Project material is typically shipped in flatbed trailer or pallet to a warehouse or other transshipment points by truck, rail, ship, or other transportation means. The project material is then transferred to another transportation means for movement to the project site. Removal also allows for project material inspection, as the project materials may now be adequately visible to determine if any project material is damaged.

Transshipment points are often busy, chaotic environments. As project material transfers from various inbound transportation means, it may be lost or damaged.

The time required to break down the shipment increases the time project material takes to reach the job site. Retrieval of items for transfer results in increased labor and transportation costs. While a project in a rough or otherwise hard-to-access area may use a Kalmar RT240 or RT290 Rough Terrain Container Handler (“RTCH”) or other suitable material handler for easier load transport, the standard pallets used to transport project material may be difficult or impossible to accommodate with a RTCH. Simply keeping the project material in its original pallet configuration may limit the ability to handle the project material, causing delay if project material is damaged during handling.

There exists a continuing need for devices and systems that enable transport of project material under ISO shipping container standards without the need for transshipment breakdown prior to transfer to a project site. There also exists a continuing need for devices and systems that enable use of common material handlers to move project material while still allowing visual inspection of project material.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present device and system provide rigid, stackable storage and transportation platforms. Vertical posts interconnecting side and end beams incorporate upper and lower connection pin plates. In use, these pin plates allow connection of the platform to transport means or stacked connection to other platforms using ISO lock pins. Cross beams extending between the side beams provide additional strength.

One embodiment of the present application is a project material storage and transportation device. Vertical posts interconnect a first and a second side beam with a first and a second end beam. Four vertical posts extend in parallel to each other and have a tubular configuration, with each vertical post having an upper connection pin plate at an upper end thereof and a lower connection pin plate at a lower end thereof. The first side beam extends in parallel to the second side beam, while both the first and second side beams extend perpendicular to the vertical posts. The first end beam extends in parallel to the second end beam, while both the first and second end beams extend perpendicular to the vertical posts and the first and second side beams. A plurality of cross beams extend in parallel to each other and to the first and second end beams, and perpendicular to the first and second side beam and to the vertical posts. The plurality of cross beams interconnect the first side beam with the second side beam. The first and second side beams extend along the same plane as the first and second end beams and the plurality of cross beams.

Another embodiment of the present application is the above project material storage and transportation device with at least one headboard removably connected to either the first side beam and the second side beam or to a pair of vertical posts by a plurality of headboard connectors. The headboard includes a headboard wall connected to the plurality of headboard connectors. The headboard wall forms the shape of a vertical planar wall above the first end beam or the second end beam

Another embodiment of the present application is a project material storage and transportation system incorporating at least two of the above project material storage and transportation devices, allowing stacking through the use of at least four connection pins.

The objects and advantages will appear more fully from the following detailed description made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a material platform for project material storage and transportation.

FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of the material platform.

FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of the material platform with a headboard.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a material platform system incorporating two stacked material platforms.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the present description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be applied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes only and are intended to be broadly construed. The different systems and methods described herein may be used alone or in combination with other systems and methods. Various equivalents, alternatives and modifications are possible within the scope of the appended claims. Each limitation in the appended claims is intended to invoke interpretation under 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph, only if the terms “means for” or “step for” are explicitly recited in the respective limitation.

The present application provides a material platform 100 for project material storage and transportation. As seen in FIG. 1, material platform 100 includes first and second parallel side beams 110 a and 110 b connected at their ends to first and second parallel end beams 120 a and 120 b. Four vertical posts 130 form the connection between side beams 110 a and 110 b and end beams 120 a and 120 b. End beams 120 a and 120 b are perpendicular to parallel side beams 110 a and 110 b. Vertical posts 130 are perpendicular to parallel side beams 110 a and 110 b and to end beams 120 a and 120 b. While it is anticipated that platform 100 will have overall dimensions of approximately twenty feet long by approximately eight feet wide by approximately four feet tall, other dimensions are within the scope of this description.

A plurality of cross beams 121 also extend from side beam 110 a to side beam 110 b, located between and parallel to end beams 120 a and 120 b. While the present embodiment of platform 100 includes nine cross beams 121, other embodiments may include different numbers of cross beams 121. As seen in FIG. 4, in certain embodiments, a document case 160 is affixed to the web of one of side beams 110 a or 110 b, or one of end beams 120 a or 120 b. The document case 160 of FIG. 4 provides storage for a user's manual or any other documentation related to the use or contents of platform 100.

The side beams 110 a and 110 b, end beams 120 a and 120 b, cross beams 121, and vertical posts 130 are interconnected through welding. In the present embodiment of platform 100 shown in FIG. 1, side beams 110 a and 110 b, end beams 120 a and 120 b, and cross beams 121 are all I-beams, each with a vertical web interconnecting parallel horizontal flanges. Vertical posts 130 are tubular with a rectangular or square cross-section. In other embodiments, at least some of side beams 110 a and 110 b, end beams 120 a and 120 b, and/or cross beams 121 may be T-beams, L-beams, open or closed trusses, or tubular with a circular or closed polygonal cross-section, such as, but not limited to, a square or rectangular cross section. In other embodiments, vertical posts 130 may be open or closed trusses, or tubular with a closed polygonal cross-section. Side beams 110 a and 110 b, end beams 120 a and 120 b, cross beams 121, and vertical posts 130 may be manufactured from steel, with or without a surface finish, such as, but not limited to, paint, enamel, or zinc galvanization.

In certain embodiments, two forklift channels 111 extend through the web of side beam 110 a, cross the space between side beams 110 a and 110 b, and extend through the web of side beam 110 b. Forklift channels 111 do not extend beyond the outer flanges of side beams 110 a and 110 b. Each forklift channel 111 extends perpendicular to parallel side beams 110 a and 110 b and is located between and parallel to pairs of cross beams 121. Forklift channels 111 have a tubular rectangular configuration for receipt of the prongs of a forklift. Forklift channels 111 may be manufactured from steel, with or without a surface finish, such as, but not limited to, paint, enamel, or zinc galvanization, and are connected to the webs of parallel side beams 110 a and 110 b through welding.

In certain embodiments, multiple tie-down ports 112 extend through the upper outer flange of each of side beams 110 a and 110 b. Additional tie-down ports 112 may extend through the upper outer flange of each of end beams 120 a and 120 b. A tie-down anchor 113 is located on the upper surface of each lower outer flange directly below each tie-down port 112, whether on side beams 110 a and 110 b or on end beams 120 a and 120 b. In other embodiments lacking tie-down ports 112, tie-down anchors 113 may otherwise be located atop the upper outer flanges of side beams 110 a and 110 b and/or end beams 120 a and 120 b.

In the present embodiment, each tie-down anchor 113 is configured as an upside-down U-shape with two flanges extending from either leg of the U-shape. The two flanges are welded to the upper surface of the lower or upper outer flange of side beams 110 a and 110 b or end beams 120 a and 120 b. To prevent damage to or warping of platform 100, tie-down anchors 113 on side beams 110 a and 110 b are located in line with the longitudinal axes of cross beams 121. In certain embodiments, tie-down anchors 113 may be angled inwardly (i.e., toward the web of the beam it is connected to) up to approximately twenty degrees from vertical to reduce strain on the weld during use and reduce the likelihood of tide-down anchors 113 catching on external objects.

As shown in FIG. 2, in certain embodiments, users may utilize at least one tie-down strap 114 to connect the load to platform 100. Each end of tie-down strap 114 is connected to a tie-down connector 115. Each tie-down connector 115 removably connects to one tie-down anchor 113. Once connected to platform 100, tie-down strap 114 may be tensioned by a tie-down ratchet 116 to remove any slack from tie-down strap 114 and secure the load. While the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 utilizes hooks as tie-down connectors 113, other embodiments may use differently-configured tie-down connectors 113.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, tie-down straps 114 pass through at least two of the above tie-down ports 112. Because tie-down ports 112 extend through side beams 110 a and 110 b, tie-down straps 114 do not extend over the side of side beams 110 a and 110 b, protecting tie-down straps 114 and reducing the likelihood that they will be worn through or otherwise accidentally severed. Because tie-down anchors 113 are located on recessed surfaces of side beams 110 a and 110 b, the anchorage of tie-down straps 114 is also protected, reducing the likelihood that tie-down connectors 113 and/or tie-down hooks 115 can be dislodged accidentally.

Referring again to FIG. 1, each vertical post 130 includes upper and lower post apertures 131 and 132 extending through the upper and lower ends, respectively, of at least one sidewall of each vertical post 130. Lower post apertures 132 allow inspection of connecting means when one platform 100 is stacked atop another platform 100, as well as when platform 100 is connected to transportation means, such as, but not limited to, a flatbed trailer or a flatbed railcar. Upper post apertures 131 allow similar inspection, as well as attachment of a RTCH to platform 100 for platform transportation. The number of upper post apertures 131 may range from one to four per vertical post 130, with a similar range for lower post apertures 132. The lock pin spacing of the special tool carrier on the RTCH matches the spacing of upper post apertures 131 on vertical posts 130. It should be understood that all references to the RTCH include all models of the RTCH or any other equivalent machine.

Each vertical post 130 also includes an upper connection pin plate 133 with an upper connection pin port 134, and a lower connection pin plate 135 with a lower connection pin port 136. Upper connection pin plate 133 and lower connection pin plate 135 have identical configurations. Upper connection pin plate 133 is welded across the open upper end of vertical post 130; lower connection pin plate 135 is welded across the open lower end of vertical post 130. During use of a given platform 100, as seen in FIG. 4, either upper connection pin port 134 receives the lower portion of a connection pin 137, or lower connection pin port 136 receives the upper portion of a connection pin 137. The connection pins 137 shown in FIG. 4 are ISO twist lock pins, double-cone twist lock connector pins commonly used to connect intermodal containers. While ISO twist lock pins are shown in the embodiment in FIG. 4, other types of connection pins 137 are contemplated. The size, shape, location, and spacing of upper and lower connection pin ports 134 and 136 may be modified to accommodate changing requirements for shipping or different types of connection pins 137.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, in certain embodiments users may attach multiple decking strips 140 or a deck 145 to the upper surfaces of end beams 120 a and 120 b and cross beams 121 to protect the load on platform 100. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 decking strips 140 are hardwood planks; in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 deck 145 is a single sheet of laminated wood or plywood. Other materials used for decking strips 140 or deck 145 may include hardwood or softwood planks, single or multiple sheets of laminated wood or plywood, single or multiple sheets or planks of polymer, single or multiple sheets or planks of composites, and/or any combination thereof. Laminations and composites may include wood, polymer, fiberglass, carbon fiber, and/or any combination thereof. Upper surfaces of decking strips 140 or deck 145 may be textured or have at least one coating to increase friction and prevent the load on platform 100 from shifting or becoming damaged. Decking strips 140 and deck 145 are typically attached to end beams 120 a and 120 b and cross beams 121 using fasteners extending through fastening apertures 122 in decking strips 140 or deck 145 and into additional fastening apertures 122 in end beams 120 a and 120 b or cross beams 121.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 utilizing decking strips 140, decking strips 140 only partially cover end beams 120 a and 120 b to prevent obstruction of tie-down ports 112. Decking strips 140 may extend beyond the ends of cross beams 121 to slightly overlap with side beams 110 a and 110 b, again avoiding obstruction of tie-down ports 112. The size of decking strips 140 may vary in other embodiments to only cover portions of cross beams 121 or to extend over tie-down ports 112 in side beams 110 a and 110 b and/or end beams 120 a and 120 b. Certain embodiments may not use decking strips on all end beams 120 a and 120 b and/or cross beams 121.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 utilizing deck 145, deck 145 extends across cross beams 121 from end beam 120 a to end beam 120 b. The size of deck 145 again avoids obstruction of tie-down ports 112 in side beams 110 a and 110 b and/or end beams 120 a and 120 b. In certain embodiments, cutouts 146 in the periphery of deck 145 may also allow access to tie-down ports 112. As can be seen in FIG. 2, certain loads may require extra stabilization in addition to that provided by tie-down straps 114. Stabilizing blocks 147 may be permanently or removably attached to decking strips 140 or deck 145 to cradle and/or chock the load. As such, stabilizing blocks 147 do not have a fixed shape, except for a substantially flat lower surface for connection to decking strips 140 or deck 145. Stabilizing blocks 147 may be made from wood, polymer, metal, composites, and/or any combination thereof.

As seen in FIG. 3, certain embodiments of platform 100 incorporate an additional protective element of at least one headboard 150 at one or more ends of platform 100. In the embodiment seen in FIG. 3, headboard 150 is a U-shaped frame having a headboard wall 151 with two headboard supports 152 a and 152 b and at least two headboard legs 153 a and 153 b extending therefrom. Headboard wall 151 forms the shape of a vertical planar wall above an end beam 120 a or 120 b, while headboard legs 153 a and 153 b extend along the longitudinal axes of side beams 110 a and 110 b. Headboard wall 151 typically does not extend above the upper ends of vertical posts 130 to permit stacking platform 100. Headboard supports 152 a and 152 b are angled supports, each connecting one end of headboard wall 151 to one of headboard legs 153 a and 153 b.

A plurality of headboard connectors 154 removably link headboard 150 to platform 100. At least one headboard connector 154 extends vertically from the bottom surface of each headboard leg 153 a and 153 b through tie-down ports 112 in each side beam 110 a and 110 b. Each headboard connector 154 is sized to be received by tie-down ports 112. Each headboard pin 155 extends through an aperture in a headboard connector 154 and beyond a perimeter of the respective tie-down port 112 to prevent removal of headboard connectors 154 from tie-down ports 112. Removal of the headboard pins 155 allows a user to lift headboard 150 and remove it from platform 100.

The headboard wall 151 and headboard supports 152 a and 152 b are sheet metal welded to each other and to headboard legs 153 a and 153 b. Headboard legs 153 a and 153 b and headboard connectors 154 are tubular with a square or rectangular cross-section. Headboard wall 151, headboard supports 152 a and 152 b, headboard legs 153 a and 153 b, headboard connectors 154, and headboard pins 155 may be manufactured from steel, with or without a surface finish, such as, but not limited to, paint, enamel, or zinc galvanization.

In another embodiment, headboard 150 includes only headboard wall 151 with a plurality of headboard connectors 154. Each headboard connector 154 extends from one side of the headboard wall, perpendicular to the plane of headboard wall 151. The headboard wall 151 and headboard connectors 154 are sheet metal welded to each other. Headboard wall 151 and headboard connectors 154 may be manufactured from steel, with or without a surface finish, such as, but not limited to, paint, enamel, or zinc galvanization. In this embodiment, headboard connectors 154 extend horizontally into upper post apertures 131 and/or lower post apertures 132, interlocking headboard 150 with vertical posts 130.

To facilitate such an interlocking configuration, upper post apertures 131 and/or lower post apertures 132 may have a shape that tapers or forms a narrowed section toward the bottom, such as, but not limited to, a keyhole or oval shape. Headboard connectors 154 may have a T- or L-shaped configuration, with the arms of the T or a leg of the L entering through the wider end of upper post aperture 131 or lower post aperture 132 and descending to be caught by the narrower bottom section. Such upper post apertures 131 and/or lower post apertures 132 can be placed through any of the four sidewalls of vertical posts 130, provided that each pair of vertical posts 130 to support a headboard 150 have upper post apertures 131 and/or lower post apertures 132 along the same plane.

As seen in FIG. 4, a material platform system 200 incorporating two material platforms 100 a and 100 b uses vertical posts 130 to stack first platform 100 a atop second platform 100 b and securely connect the platforms 100 for storage or transport. With the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 uses two material platforms 100, other embodiments may stack up to five material platforms 100. For stability, first platform 100 a with the lighter load is placed atop second platform 100 b with the heavier load. Embodiments using more than two material platforms 100 will place the material platform 100 with the heaviest load on the bottom, followed by the next heaviest, then the next heaviest, and so on. Four connection pins 137 are used to removably connect material platforms 100 a and 100 b. Again, embodiments using more than two material platforms 100 will use an additional set of four connection pins 137 for each additional material platform 100.

Before stacking, the lower portions of connection pins 137 are placed in each upper connection pin port 134 of second platform 100 b. First platform 100 a is then maneuvered atop second platform 100 b using a forklift, RTCH, or other transportation means such that the footprints of platforms 100 a and 100 b completely overlap. First platform 100 a is then lowered until the upper portion of connection pins 137 extend through each lower connection pin port 136 in first platform 100 a. Users can then actuate each connection pin 137 to securely connect first and second platforms 100 a and 100 b together. System 200 may be transported in the same manner as platform 100, provided that the transportation means is capable of carrying the combined weight.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be inferred therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. Any different configurations, systems, and method steps described herein may be used alone or in combination with other configurations, systems, and method steps. It is to be expected that various equivalents, alternatives, and modifications are possible within the scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A project material storage and transportation device, comprising: four vertical posts extending in parallel to each other and having a tubular configuration, each vertical post having an upper connection pin plate at an upper end thereof and a lower connection pin plate at a lower end thereof; a first side beam and a second side beam, the first side beam extending in parallel to the second side beam, the first side beam and the second side beam extending perpendicular to the vertical posts; a first end beam and a second end beam, the first end beam extending in parallel to the second end beam, the first end beam and the second end beam extending perpendicular to the vertical posts and the first side beam and the second side beam; a plurality of cross beams extending in parallel to each other and to the first end beam and the second end beam, the plurality of cross beams extending in perpendicular to the first side beam and the second side beam and to the vertical posts, wherein the first side beam and the second side beam extend along the same plane as the first end beam and the second end beam and the plurality of cross beams, wherein the vertical posts interconnect the first side beam and the second side beam with the first end beam and the second end beam, wherein the plurality of cross beams interconnect the first side beam with the second side beam.
 2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of forklift channels extending from the first side beam to the second side beam, wherein the plurality of forklift channels extend through a web of the first side beam and a web of the second side beam.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein each of a plurality of tie-down anchors is located in line with a longitudinal axis of one of the plurality of cross beams.
 4. The device of claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of tie-down anchors is connected to an upper surface of an upper outer flange of each of the first side beam and the second side beam.
 5. The device of claim 3, further comprising a plurality of tie-down ports extending through an upper outer flange of each of the first side beam and the second side beam.
 6. The device of claim 5, wherein each of the plurality of tie-down anchors is connected to an upper surface of a lower outer flange of each of the first side beam and the second side beam and located directly below one of the plurality of tie-down ports.
 7. The device of claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of tie-down anchors is angled inwardly up to approximately twenty degrees from vertical.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein each of the four vertical posts further comprises at least one upper post aperture extending through an upper end of at least one sidewall.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein each of the four vertical posts further comprises at least one lower post aperture extending through a lower end of at least one sidewall.
 10. The device of claim 1, further comprising at least one decking strip connected to an upper surface of at least one of the first end beam, the second end beam, or the plurality of cross beams.
 11. The device of claim 10, further comprising at least one stabilizing block connected to an upper surface of the at least one decking strip.
 12. The device of claim 1, further comprising a deck connected to an upper surface of at least one of the first end beam, the second end beam, or the plurality of cross beams.
 13. The device of claim 12, further comprising at least one stabilizing block connected to an upper surface of the deck.
 14. A project material storage and transportation device, comprising: four vertical posts extending in parallel to each other and having a tubular configuration, each vertical post having an upper connection pin plate at an upper end thereof and a lower connection pin plate at a lower end thereof; a first side beam and a second side beam, the first side beam extending in parallel to the second side beam, the first side beam and the second side beam extending perpendicular to the vertical posts; a first end beam and a second end beam, the first end beam extending in parallel to the second end beam, the first end beam and the second end beam extending perpendicular to the vertical posts and the first side beam and the second side beam; a plurality of cross beams extending in parallel to each other and to the first end beam and the second end beam, the plurality of cross beams extending in perpendicular to the first side beam and the second side beam and to the vertical posts; and at least one headboard comprising a headboard wall connected to a plurality of headboard connectors, wherein the headboard wall forms the shape of a vertical planar wall above the first end beam or the second end beam, wherein the headboard wall is removably connected to either the first side beam and the second side beam or to a pair of vertical posts by the plurality of headboard connectors, wherein the first side beam and the second side beam extend along the same plane as the first end beam and the second end beam and the plurality of cross beams, wherein the vertical posts interconnect the first side beam and the second side beam with the first end beam and the second end beam, wherein the plurality of cross beams interconnect the first side beam with the second side beam.
 15. The device of claim 14, wherein the headboard wall is connected to a first headboard leg and to a second headboard leg by angled headboard supports extending therebetween, and wherein the first headboard leg and the second headboard leg extend along longitudinal axes of the first side beam and the second side beam, respectively, the plurality of headboard connectors extending from a lower surface of the first headboard leg and a lower surface of the second headboard leg through a plurality of tie-down ports extending through an upper outer flange of each of the first side beam and the second side beam.
 16. The device of claim 15, wherein each of the plurality of headboard connectors has at least one aperture extending therethrough holding a removable headboard pin, said headboard pin extending beyond a perimeter of the tie-down port.
 17. The device of claim 14, wherein each of the plurality of headboard connectors extends from one side of the headboard wall perpendicular to the plane of the headboard wall.
 18. A project material storage and transportation system, comprising: at least a first project material storage and transportation device and a second project material storage and transportation device, each project material storage and transportation device comprising: four vertical posts extending in parallel to each other and having a tubular configuration, each vertical post having an upper connection pin plate at an upper end thereof and a lower connection pin plate at a lower end thereof, a first side beam and a second side beam, the first side beam extending in parallel to the second side beam, the first side beam and the second side beam extending perpendicular to the vertical posts, a first end beam and a second end beam, the first end beam extending in parallel to the second end beam, the first end beam and the second end beam extending perpendicular to the vertical posts and the first side beam and the second side beam, a plurality of cross beams extending in parallel to each other and to the first end beam and the second end beam, the plurality of cross beams extending in perpendicular to the first side beam and the second side beam and to the vertical posts, wherein the first side beam and the second side beam extend along the same plane as the first end beam and the second end beam and the plurality of cross beams, wherein the vertical posts interconnect the first side beam and the second side beam with the first end beam and the second end beam, wherein the plurality of cross beams interconnect the first side beam with the second side beam; and at least four connection pins.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the first project material storage and transportation device is located atop the second project material storage and transportation device such that each connection pin is located between one of the four vertical posts of the first project material storage and transportation device and one of the four vertical posts of the second project material storage and transportation device.
 20. The system of claim 19, wherein each of the at least four connection pins extends through one of the lower connection pin plates of the first project material storage and transportation device and one of the upper connection pin plates of the second project material storage and transportation device. 